Feb 2

Dear Alan,

Just to let you know I am still very much alive, and, in the circs, everything all correct.  We are still operating in the same region, but we are anticipating much excitement in the near future.  Things are beginning to liven up considerably, rumours are as plentiful as French fleas at present, and the atmosphere is quite electrical so to speak, but anyway, everything points to the fact that the long period of waiting is nearing the end.  Mrs Leighton tells me that Dick has been home, and that you were able to be there also, which was “tres bon”, as the blighters out here would remark.  How is he, and what part of the map does he occupy at present, also what is the nature of his work?  I am still on the same old job, and getting busier every day now.  Things are alright at home, and my last letter (Jan 17) from Perce, tells me he is quite well, and is still at Hulluch.  I guess you are still having a busy time, and no doubt you have not been called up yet, on account of the nature of your work.  Is that so?  Well Goodbye old chap pro tem, hope you are keeping fit.  Kindest regards from, Yours to a cinder, Jim.

In envelope addressed to Mr A. Beesley, 28 Tower Rd, West Hill, Dartford, Kent, England.  Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE D.37 dated 3 FE 16.  Hexagonal stamp  PASSED FIELD CENSOR 82, signed  V.A.L. Mallet.

On back of letter “Signed James R. Turner.”